Among the many island destinations of the Caribbean region, Turks & Caicos has remained a bit under the radar. A favorite of the jet set and many travelers “in the know,” it has become a food-lover’s destination, a beach goer’s paradise, and a real favorite among discerning travelers. It has a unique layout and is a tiny chain of interconnected islands itself, but it is also noted for its many wonderful activities; most of them focused on the water and the beaches.
If you are planning a trip (or return visit) to this wonderful destination, we suggest you consider the following “best things to do in Turks & Caicos,” now that you already managed the very best thing – going there!
Watersports – The Order of the Day
The list of potential watersports reads like a “something for everyone” sort of list, and includes:
- Fishing
- Freediving
- Jetskiing
- Kayaking
- Kiteboarding
- Paddle Boarding
- Sailing
- Snorkeling
- Wakeboarding
There is also the most basic of all water sports – swimming! However, if we were to point towards the number one or most frequently enjoyed of the many watersports, it would have to be snorkeling. Islanders and visitors alike exclaim about the ease and beauty of the experience, and some of the most popular spots on Provo (the island of Providenciales at the western end of the Turks & Caicos chain), include:
- Smith’s Reef – You’ll be challenged to locate this reef, and it may mean asking a local expert to take you to it, but it is considered one of the most amazing
- Bright Reef – This is an easy to reach site and one of the two main snorkeling destinations (that you reach from the beach) in the region
You can also do what many travelers do and book a snorkeling cruise. This means you enjoy reefs near beaches, but just far enough away to be best visited from the water. Less crowded and often with a lot more visibility, they can become one of those unforgettable experiences of your life. Swim with friendly reef fish, see much brighter coral formations, and greet some friendly sea creatures during the visit.
More experienced snorkelers can enjoy the beach snorkeling from western coastal areas like Malcolm’s Road Beach and Northwest Point. These areas offer a few challenges, so they are for the more knowledgeable snorkelers.
If you are more of a beach fan than a water sports fan, you don’t need to worry because one of the best things you can do during any visit to Turks & Caicos is to enjoy a Provo road trip that takes you right along the loveliest beaches of the area.
Your Unforgettable Providenciales Road Trip
Many travelers find that renting a vehicle or choosing accommodations that include use of vehicles makes for some great opportunities while visiting Turks & Caicos, at least for a portion of the visit. While a taxi can be fun, the option to stop and explore sites while driving around is tough to beat. This is particularly true if you limit your wanderings to Provo.
This island is, at most 15 miles long and wide, meaning a car trip can be completed in a day, or can become your way of visiting some of the most beautiful beaches. The “short list” of beaches you can encounter include those found at:
- Grace Bay
- Babalua
- Malcom’s Road
- Turtle Tail
- Taylor Bay
- Sapodilla Bay
- Long Bay
- West Harbour Bluff
Most travelers will want to start their wanderings along Chalk Sound Drive. Described as being a paved and winding road [that] follows the south side of the incredibly turquoise Chalk Sound National Park.” Here are limestone cays, amazing water views, and lots of premiere properties to savor. There is Sapodilla Hill offering amazing photo opportunities and views, and the beaches at Taylor and Sapodilla bays are close by.
Venetian Road is where you find Turtle Tail Beach and Juba Sound, and a trip up Bristol Hill gives even more amazing views of the Caicos Banks. Head to the waterfront at Blue Hills to see the oldest town on the island, and then head to West Harbour Bluff back to Chalk Sound and the amazing Frenchman’s Creek.
There are rugged little limestone cays, luxury rentals, and vibrant water here is one of the top sights in the Turks and Caicos.
After all the snorkeling, water sports, and driving, you may be ready for a bit of pampering, and that brings us to the last of the three best things to do in Turks & Caicos – a spa day.
Day Trip to Parrot Cay for Spa and Luncheon
Turks & Caicos is a tiny island chain and Parrot Cay is the biggest of the “small” islands tucked between the main island of Provo and North Caicos. It is home to one of the most famous and notable beaches as well as its luxury homes and villas. Yet, it is also where the Parrot Cay Resort is located, and this private retreat offers a wonderful option for day trippers.
The Wellness by Como Shambhala option at the resort has a surprising menu of “holistic, Asian-inspired treatments including Ayurveda, aromatherapy, Pilates and other holistic approaches to mental quietude, physical wellbeing and spiritual balance.” Even if someone is not a guest of the resort, they offer access to its facilities and amenities. With a yoga room, treatment rooms, studios, baths, massage rooms, and even beauty and skin care, it can provide an unforgettable day.
Then, head to one of the two fine dining options at the resort – Lotus or The Terrace and dive into a world of fantastic Asian and Caribbean-inspired dishes. All use local ingredients and while The Terrace has indoor and outdoor dining, Lotus is right alongside the pool.
There are so many things to see, do and enjoy while in Turks & Caicos and the three above (though they add up to dozens of actual experiences) will help you see why it is such a popular destination.